The QBE Foundation – Supporting our communities

In the community

As an insurance company, we are uniquely placed to help people in their times of need and our community initiatives mirror this role. We have three main channels for community contribution and participation across our global business divisions: The QBE Foundation; natural disaster relief; and sponsorship and events. We also seek to positively impact communities through business initiatives such as Premiums4Good, our dedicated impact investing platform, and identifying opportunities through our procurement decisions (e.g. seeking to purchase from social enterprises).

Encouraging diversity in sport

AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONS

QBE Australia has been Principal Partner of the Sydney Swans for 31 years. We also support the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, which provides elite talent development programs for boys aged 11–19 years. In 2017, we became supporters of the Academy’s new Youth Girls program, which is providing talent pathways for young female footballers.

We also got behind the Swans’ first Diversity Action Plan. This followed the club’s important work through their Reconciliation Action Plan, which is strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through education and opportunities.

The club’s Diversity Action Plan makes meaningful commitments to disability empowerment, multicultural inclusion, the advancement of women and LGBTIQ pride. Like QBE, the Swans joined Australia’s Marriage Equality campaign in 2017, and we once again supported the annual Pride Game, which promotes diversity and inclusion.

Balia Foundation

EUROPEAN OPERATIONS

The QBE Foundation has partnered with the Balia Foundation since 2012 on a range of funding initiatives that help children and young people who are at risk of social exclusion in Madrid.

Our funding supports activities that aim to prevent early school leaving, reduce the likelihood of addiction and violence, and improve personal and social skills. Colleagues from our Spanish office are also involved in the Balia corporate volunteering program for the Young District Project.

Wounded Warrior Project

NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

In North America, our people, supported by the QBE Foundation, have a focus on supporting military veterans.

Since 2011, the QBE Foundation has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, providing monetary grants, awareness campaign advocacy, employee volunteering and fundraising efforts. Through Warriors at Work, unemployed and wounded veterans gain access to employment and regain their independence. We have also assisted the Warrior Care Network, which provides access to support and services for veterans living with moderate to severe post‑traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. Our employees have also been involved in awareness campaigns such as the Soldier Ride in New York, Atlanta and Chicago, a unique four-day cycling event that helps warriors gain confidence and experience the heartfelt appreciation and support of communities around the country.

Smile Train

ASIA PACIFIC OPERATIONS

Each year the QBE Foundation partners with charities that strive to improve medical research, treatment and support for health concerns such as cancer, diabetes, rare genetic conditions, birth defects, mental health and physical disability.

The QBE Foundation has partnered with Smile Train, an international organisation providing corrective surgery and comprehensive care for children and adults with orofacial clefts. Over six weeks, life-changing surgeries were performed for a total of 90 children and adults in Metro Manila and Central Visayas. Comprehensive care and learning development were also given to the beneficiaries after their surgery. They undergo speech therapy with a professional pathologist and take part in social learning sessions. These efforts will help them prepare for their reintegration to the community and enjoy a new life.